President Bola Tinubu has rejected the proposed N942 billion budget for the upcoming national census, citing the need for a more cost-effective approach. Instead, he recommended deploying National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to handle enumeration, reducing personnel expenses.Tinubu emphasized that the census must be conducted at a significantly lower cost. He directed the setup of a committee to reassess the budget and align it with the government’s financial realities.
The president’s decision is a significant move towards fiscal responsibility. With Nigeria’s last census conducted in 2006, the need for an accurate and up-to-date population count is pressing. However, Tinubu is adamant that this must be achieved without breaking the bank.
“This stop-and-go approach to the census won’t work with me. We need a clear path,” Tinubu was quoted as saying by Bayo Onanuga, his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. He also stressed the importance of securing alternative funding before seeking support from development partners.
To further streamline expenses, Tinubu suggested integrating the National Identity Management Commission (NIMM) into the census process. This move aims to enhance accuracy and minimize duplication through biometric capturing, including facial and voice recognition.
The president’s commitment to holding the census is clear, but he is equally determined to ensure that it is done in a fiscally responsible manner. As Nigeria moves forward with the census, Tinubu’s cost-effective approach is expected to yield significant benefits for the country.
